1:35 Italian Light Staff Car (Open Top) w/Crew “Libya”

Italian light staff car, Libya, in 1:35 scale (Bronco)

This plastic kit in 1:35 scale captures the Italian light open staff car as it served in the North African campaign. The box combines finely shaped plastic parts, clear elements, photo-etched sheet and two crew figures. The open body allows a view into the interior and, together with the figures, makes the vehicle a rewarding basis for a small desert scene. Material for two marking options is included as well.

The real subject

The vehicle is based on the small people's car built in Italy from the middle of the 1930s. It was powered by a tiny four-cylinder engine and, despite its modest size, carried several people. During the Second World War many of these cars were taken over by the Italian and German armies and used in Europe, in North Africa and on the Eastern Front. In open staff form they served for liaison and for carrying officers in the dusty conditions of the desert.

Building and painting tips

With an open car it pays to paint the interior, the seats and the instrument panel carefully before finishing the body. Bond the photo-etched parts with cyanoacrylate glue and make sure the wheels sit level. Apply the sand base shade with an airbrush over a primer, and dark washes in the pressings will add depth. Heavy dusting with pigments on the wheels and the underside will catch the desert setting, and fine paint chipping will bring the edges and the step surfaces to life. With the figures, work from the base tones of the uniforms toward lightening the faces and hands.

Who the model is for

• For lovers of Italian army equipment of the Second World War
• For fans of the North African campaign and desert scenes
• For modelers who like to combine a vehicle with figures
• For collectors of unconventional light cars in 1:35 scale

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.